Colorado Wine Country / COME TO LIFE DAY 2 FROM TOP: DOWNTOWN GRAND JUNCTION, @KELSEYHOISINGTONPHOTOGRAPHY; GET AIR AT THE SILO. Start your morning in downtown Grand Junction (2) , where locally owned brunch hotspots’ outdoor seating areas let you bask in the morning air. Work off the hash browns by strolling walkable streets lined with galleries, sculptures and gift shops, as well as a Thursday farmers’ market. Those looking to get their heart rates up have a few new options: Jet Boat Colorado operates its fast ride on the Colorado River; Get Air at the Silo (3) has a trampoline, cave climb and other adventures; Jump Junction Skydiving will blow your mind in obvious ways; and Grand Junction Stand Up Paddle now offers river tours. Or head to Powderhorn Mountain Resort , now open during the summer with lift-assisted downhill mountain biking, including rentals, lessons and an expanding trail system. West of Grand Junction, the stunning red-rock canyonlands of Colorado National Monument threaten to fill up a digital camera’s memory card in a blink. Drive the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive or take part in a ranger-led program that explores everything from geology to wildlife. In the summer, hook up with the Western Colorado Astronomy Club to see the Milky Way above the canyons. The truly serious biker will want to add another day to the itinerary in order to explore the mountain-biking trails around nearby Fruita , arguably the finest network of singletrack in Colorado. The town is also a popular destination for ATVers who love desert trails, and rock crawlers find vast and varied terrain in the North Fruita Desert area. Plan to see the Rim Rock Rodeo , which takes place every summer Tuesday, and then stop into downtown’s Cavalcade , an intimate performance venue in Fruita’s growing downtown, where you can relax and listen to some music. @kelseyhoisingtonphotography 2 STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Clifton (page 192), Collbran (page 192), Fruita (page 196), Grand Junction (page 198), Loma (page 200), Mesa (page 201), Palisade (page 202), Parachute , Rangely (page 203) 3 Visit Grand Junction Everything is big here; the views of the sweeping vistas, monoliths and spires of the Colorado National Monument and the heights of the cliff walls that extend to the clouds and beyond. One look at sights like these and the odds of you wanting to extend your stay are great. 0f;(!f;..#(!"f;,f;#-"/!f;&3d;)(0f;(#f;(.|,b;(e;�a;/(d;.#)(#-u+/#d;%")/,-0#b; xqb;1b;3 ,)'f;(0f;,}),b;(f;b;-3Ő #!"..))/,b;#,*),.| For biking, hiking, skiing, wine-sipping and overall adventuring, Grand Junction is awaiting your arrival. For more information on planning your Grand Junction getaway, go to Visitgrandjunction.com, or call 970-244-1480 COLORADO.COM / 155
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2018: Page 155
